SHARKS NOTEBOOK / Goalies in tight spot

While it may only be the first of nine games on their exhibition schedule, tonight's preseason opener in Anaheim is no insignificant event for Sharks goalie Miikka Kiprusoff.

Kiprusoff, who turns 27 next month, is battling Vesa Toskala for the backup role to starter Evgeni Nabokov. All three have one-way NHL contracts, which means if any of the three is sent to the minors, they could be claimed on waivers by another team and the Sharks would get no compensation. So it's likely that before the season starts that someone will be traded.

"Every year there is competition," Kiprusoff said. "You always have to play well. I think I'm ready."

While more experienced than Toskala, the 26-year-old fellow Finn, Kiprusoff may actually have more to prove.

Kiprusoff had the second lowest save percentage among goalies who appeared in at least 22 NHL games. His .879 mark bettered only Carolina's Arturs Irbe (.877), who had a better goals-against average than Kiprusoff (3. 18-3.35). Just 5-14 for the year, Kiprusoff's lone highlight was a 29-save effort against Vancouver on Jan. 11 for his third career shutout.

Toskala, meanwhile, took advantage of a late-season promotion from the minors by going 4-3-1 during 11 appearances, including a 25-save gem on March 27 against Detroit to post his first career shutout.

Kiprusoff, who admitted to wondering if he'd get traded in the offseason, hopes to play a full game against the Mighty Ducks. Seamus Kotyk, targeted for Cleveland of the AHL, is set to back up tonight.

"A lot of little things went wrong last year," said Kiprusoff, who worked more with weights in the offseason to improve speed and power. "But now people aren't thinking about those things. We're working hard."

When they aren't working hard, Kiprusoff and Toskala are often found stretching, eating or simply chatting together at the practice rink. Competition for the same job does not handicap their friendship.